EU needs a new approach to tackling climate change

The EU needs to help developing countries; otherwise, it risks jeopardising a climate-change deal.

European Voice

2/25/09, 5:00 PM CET

Updated 4/12/14, 5:25 PM CET

Despite scientific evidence showing that global warming is happening faster than expected (‘EU policy on climate change warms up’, 12-18 February), the EU continues to be in denial when it comes to commitments to reduce emissions.

Europe has repeatedly said it wants to keep global warming below 2°C. But reducing its emissions by 30% by 2020 will not get us there. In line with science, the EU should commit itself to at least 40% reductions by 2020, with the majority taking place domestically.

By refusing to put money for developing countries on the table now, the EU risks jeopardising a global deal at the UN’s climate change summit in Copenhagen in December. Europe must commit €35 billion a year to help poor countries adapt to climate change and grow in a low-carbon way.

Climate change is already having an impact on millions of poor people around the world. Treating poor people’s lives as a bargaining tool is both immoral and wrong-headed as a negotiating strategy.

The next EU summit is the big chance for the EU to raise the bar in terms of ambition. EU member states must have the courage to look beyond short-term financial woes to the long-term security of our economy and planet.